Printer, system and method for programming RFID tags on media labels

ABSTRACT

A printer is provided which includes a control unit and a print head with a burn line and a platen roller. The print head is coupled to the control unit. The print head is positioned in a vertical orientation relative to the platen roller over which a media label passes during printing. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, coupled to the control unit, for programming RFID tags on the media label is also provided. The RFID reader is coupled to a RFID antenna. The RFID antenna is above the media label path, the print head&#39;s vertical orientation allowing the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line. Further, a label stop sensor (LSS) module is provided, coupled to the control unit, for monitoring movement of the media label along a media path. The LSS module is disposed adjacent to the RFID antenna.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to thermal transfer printers, and in particular to printers which support Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking printing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on media labels requires a RFID programming module or an RFID reader with a RFID antenna to transmit signals to program the tag on the media label.

When programming RFID tags on or in a media label, the RFID antenna is placed as close as possible to the platen roller and the print head burn line in order to support the tag. Due to the structure of conventional printers and the need to be as close as possible to the print head burn line, the RFID antenna is usually placed below the media path and is positioned 18 to 34 mm from the print head burn line. However, it is difficult if not impossible for the RFID antenna to support metal RFID tags on or in the media label if the RFID antenna is positioned below the media because of layers on the tag which may block RFID signals from below. The metal RFID tag generally is made of layers. The top layer is the IC layer where the programmable chip resides. This chip needs to receive transmitted power from the RFID antenna for programming. Below the IC layer is an aluminum foil layer which will generally partially or completely block the RFID frequency. If placed above the media path on a conventional printer, the RFID antenna would necessarily be at least 70 mm from the print head burn line. This is too great a distance for the RFID antenna to support a metal tag on the media label.

In addition, for good print registration, a label stop sensor (LSS) module should be close to the print head burn line. In a conventional printer, the LSS module may be as far away as 42 to 55 mm from the print head burn line whether the RFID antenna is above or below the media path. In either case, print registration could be improved significantly if the LSS module could be placed closer to the burn line.

Prior art FIG. 1 shows in schematic a conventional printing assembly, illustrating the position and limitations of conventional printer structures. The printing assembly (10) includes a print head (90), platen roller (15), the RFID antenna (14), and a LSS module (18), with the burn line designated at (13). The printer ribbon path (16) and the media path (17) are designated. In the FIG. 1, the RFID antenna (14) would have to be moved a considerable distance from the burn line (15) to accommodate the RFID antenna (14) above the media path (13). This requires the LSS module (18) to be positioned even further from the burn line (13). Both the print head (12) size and orientation as well as the ribbon path (16) constrains the placement of the RFID antenna (14).

Therefore, a need exists for a printer system and method which allows a RFID antenna to conveniently support metal RFID tags on media labels while simultaneously providing for improved print registration.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces printer for printing programmable tags in or on media labels. The printer conventionally includes a print head with a burn line and a platen roller over which a media label passes during printing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printer includes a control unit, a print head with a burn line. The print head is coupled to the control unit, for printing on a media label. The print head is positioned in a vertical orientation relative to the portion of the platen roller over which a media label passes during printing. The printer also includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, coupled to the control unit, for programming RFID tags on the media label. A RFID antenna coupled to the RFID reader is positioned above the media label path. The print head's vertical orientation allows the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line. The close proximity is of a distance to allow the RFID antenna to support metal tags on the media label. Further provided is a label stop sensor (LSS) module, also coupled to the control unit. The LSS module monitors movement of the media label along a media path. The LSS module is positioned adjacent to the RFID antenna.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer, the media label pitch is a length at least 12 mm.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer, the RFID antenna has a centerline, the centerline being positioned within a distance not greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer, the RFID antenna has a centerline. The centerline is positioned at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.

In another exemplary embodiment, the printer is a RFID printer. The RFID reader is to program metal RFID tags contained in or on the media label.

In another exemplary embodiment, the printer is a thermal transfer printer, and the RFID antenna is placed below a ribbon path corresponding to a ribbon of the thermal transfer printer.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the printer, the LSS module is configured to position at least a portion of the media label under the RFID antenna and the print head.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer, the LSS module is positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method for printing a programmable tag on a media label.

In an exemplary embodiment the method includes the steps of (i) positioning, a print head with a burn line in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of a platen roller over which a media label passes during printing, (ii) arranging a radio frequency (RFID) antenna coupled to a RFID reader above a media path corresponding to a media label, (iii) accommodating a label stop sensor (LSS) module adjacent to the RFID antenna, and (iv) advancing, based upon signals from the LSS module, at least a portion of the media label below the print head and the RFID antenna, for printing. The vertical orientation of the print head allows the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes the step of (v) programming by the RFID reader a RFID tag contained in or on the media label via the RFID antenna.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method, the media label is a small RFID media label having a pitch between labels of at least 12 mm.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method, the RFID antenna is accommodated at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the method, the RFID antenna is accommodated below the ribbon path of a thermal printer.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method, the LSS module is accommodated at a distance greater than at least 20 mm from the print head.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a system for programming programmable tags on media labels on a printer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a control unit, and a printing assembly coupled to the control unit. The printing assembly is comprised of a platen roller for feeding a media label for printing along a media path, a print head with a burn line positioned in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of the platen roller over which the media label passes during printing, and a programming module for programming coded information on the media label. The programming module is coupled to the control unit, and the programming module includes an antenna coupled to the programming module. The antenna is positioned above the media label path, the vertical orientation of the print head allowing the antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line. The printing assembly further includes a LSS module to control movement of the media label along the media path. The LSS module is positioned adjacent to the RFID antenna, and the LSS module is configured to position at least a portion of the media label under the antenna and the print head.

In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the programming module is an RF programming module for programming RFID tags in or on the media label.

In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the antenna is accommodated above the media path at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.

In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the antenna is accommodated above the media path at a distance no greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line.

In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the media label has a pitch of at least 12 mm.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the system, the LSS module is positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a prior art printer assembly structure.

FIG. 1A schematically depicts the horizontally oriented print head of FIG. 1 in closer detail.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a conventional printer which can adapted to house a system and printing assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a printer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A schematically depicts the vertically oriented print head of FIG. 3 in closer detail.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a system for programming programmable tags during printing of such tags in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a method of carrying out an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a flow chart

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a printer adapted to print RFID tags on or in a media label.

Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional printer (20) is adapted to house a printing assembly (100) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The printer (20) includes media (70) on a roll, and a ribbon roll (60). The media (70) is feed to the printing assembly (100) by a media path (170). The printing ribbon (60) is fed to the printing assembly (100) along a ribbon path (160).

Referring now to FIG. 3, the printing assembly (100) is comprised of a control unit (180), a print head (110) with a burn line (115). The print head (190) is coupled to the control unit (180) for printing on a media label. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the print head (190) is positioned in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of a platen roller (130) over which a media label passes during printing. This vertical orientation in relation to the platen roller (115) is designated (110) and is shown in closer detail in FIG. 3a . The vertical orientation of the print head (190) shown in FIG. 3a can be contrasted with the prior art horizontal orientation of the print head (90) with relation to the platen roller (15) designated (120) in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1a shows the relation (120) of the prior art print head (90) in relation to the platen roller (15). The print head (90) includes a print head assembly (92) and the dots (91), the heating elements, the number of which determine printing resolution. The dots (91) are at the tip of the print head (90) on the side of the print head (90) facing the platen roller (15). The print head assembly (92) extends substantially horizontally, or within 20° of the media path (17) for printing. The print pressure (93) is applied to the print head (90) at an angle substantially perpendicular to the media path (17) directly above the dots (91).

In contrast, FIG. 3a shows, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the relation (110) of the print head (190) to the platen roller (130) with a vertically oriented print head (190). The print head (190) includes a print head assembly (193) and dots (192). In the vertical print head (190), the dots (192) are positioned at the lower end of the print head (190) above the platen roller (130). The print pressure (195) is directed to the print head (190) at an angle substantially perpendicular to the media path (170) directly above the dots (192).

Referring back to FIG. 3, the control unit (180) may be a central processing unit (CPU), or another processor with firmware to control the printing of media labels.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the printing assembly (100) also includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader (150) coupled to the control unit (180), for programming RFID tags on media labels. A RFID antenna (152) is coupled to the RFID reader (150). The RFID antenna (152) is positioned above the media label path (170). The print head's (190) vertical orientation allows the RFID antenna (152) to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line (115). The close proximity and the fact that the RFID antenna (152) is above the media path (170), is such that the RFID antenna (152) can support metal tags in or on media labels. The printer assembly (100) includes a label stop sensor (LSS) module (140) coupled to the control unit (180), for monitoring movement of media labels along the media path (170). The LSS module (140) is positioned adjacent to the RFID antenna (152). The communication between the control unit (180) and the various components may be wireless or wired. Hard wire connections are not shown in the Figure.

In contrasting the position and distance of the print head and LSS module from the burn line in prior art FIG. 1 and to the present invention depicted in FIG. 3, one can see that the vertical orientation of the print head (190) in FIG. 3 allows the RFID antenna (152) to be positioned above the media path (170), which in turn allows the LSS module (140) to be adjacent to the RFID antenna (152) and much closer to the burn line (115), thus improving print registration. One consequence is that the media label pitch can be as small as 12 mm or less.

In the prior art printing assembly (10) of FIG. 1, typically, the RFID antenna (14) may be positioned 18 mm to 34 mm from the burn line (13) and below the media path (17). This position of the RFID antenna (14) does not allow the RFID antenna (14) to support metal RFID tags on or in the media label. In the prior art printing assembly (10) of FIG. 1, the LSS module (18) is positioned 42 mm to 55 mm or more from the burn line (13). Thus, print registration on a prior printing assembly (10) is limited, and the pitch between RFID labels may be limited to be greater than 24 mm.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the RFID antenna (152) has a centerline (154). The centerline (154) is positioned within a distance not greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line (115), and preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm from the burn line (115).

In another exemplary embodiment, the LSS module (140) is configured to position at least a portion of a media label under the RFID antenna (152) and the print head (190).

The LSS module (140) may be positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line (115), adjacent to the RFID antenna (152).

In another exemplary embodiment, the printer (20) is a RFID printer. The RFID reader (150) is to program metal RFID tags contained in or on the media label.

In another exemplary embodiment, the printer (20) is a thermal transfer printer, and the RFID antenna (152) is placed below the ribbon path (160) corresponding to a ribbon of the thermal transfer printer. The ribbon path (160) is altered to guide the ribbon upward by positioning a fixed shaft or roller (162) before the RFID antenna to further accommodate the RFID antenna (152) adjacent to the print head (190).

The present invention further embraces a system for programming programmable tags on media labels on a printer.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the system (300) includes a control unit (310), and a printing assembly (200) coupled to the control unit (310). The printing assembly (200) includes a platen roller (230) for feeding a media label for printing along a media path (270). The printing assembly (200) further includes a print head (210) positioned in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of the platen roller (230) over which the media label passes during printing. The print head (210) burn line (220) is designated. Further included is a programming module (250) for programming coded information on a media label. The programming module (250) is coupled to the control unit (310). The programming module (250) includes an antenna (252) coupled to the programming module (250). The antenna (252) is positioned above the media label path (270). The vertical orientation of the print head (210) allows the antenna (252) to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line (220), that is, the antenna is closer to the burn line than would be possible in a conventional printing assembly with the conventional horizontal orientation of the conventional print head. The printing assembly (200) further includes a LSS module (240) to control movement of a media label along the media path (270). The LSS module (240) is positioned adjacent to the antenna (252). The LSS module (240) is configured to position at least a portion of a media label under the antenna (252) and the print head (210).

In another exemplary embodiment, the programming module (250) is an RF programming module for programming RFID tags in or on the media label. The RFID tags may for example be near field communication (NFC) tags.

In another exemplary embodiment, the antenna (252) is accommodated above the media path (270) at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line (220). Alternatively, the antenna (252) is accommodated above the media path (270) at a distance no greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line (220).

In any of these embodiments, the LSS module (240) may be positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line.

In conventional printing assemblies, like the one shown in FIG. 1, the antenna (14) may be positioned 18 mm to 34 mm from the burn line (13) and below the media path (17). This position of the RFID antenna (14) does not allow the RFID antenna (14) to support metal RFID tags on or in the media label. In the prior art printing assembly (10) of FIG. 1, the LSS module (18) is positioned 42 mm to 55 mm or more from the burn line (15). Thus, print registration on a prior printing assembly (10) is limited and the pitch between RFID labels may be limited to be greater than 24 mm.

In contrast, the printing assembly (200) of FIG. 4, allows the antenna (252) and the antenna's centerline (254) to be in close proximity to the burn line (220) above the media path (270). The LSS module (240) can be accommodated adjacent to the antenna (252) much closer to the burn line (220), thus allowing more accurate print registration and lower pitch between labels.

For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the media label has a pitch of at least 12 mm (not shown), because of the positioning of the LSS module (240).

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method for printing a programmable tag on a media label.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, the method (800) includes the steps of: (810) positioning, a print head with a burn line in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of a platen roller over which a media label passes during printing; (820) arranging a radio frequency (RFID) antenna coupled to a RFID reader above a media path corresponding to a media label, wherein the vertical orientation of the print head allows the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line; (830) accommodating a LSS module adjacent to the RFID antenna; and (840) advancing or retracting, based upon signals from the LSS module, at least a portion of the media label below the print head and the RFID antenna, for printing.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method (800) may further include the step (850) of programming by the RFID reader a RFID tag contained in or on the media label via the RFID antenna.

The method (800) may be carried out with the printing assemblies discussed in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. In another exemplary embodiment of the method (800), the media label is a small RFID media label having a pitch between labels of at least 12 mm. The RFID antenna may be accommodated at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line, and preferably from 15 mm to 20 mm form the print head burn line. Most preferably, the RFID antenna is accommodated below the ribbon path of a thermal printer. The LSS module is preferably accommodated at a distance greater than at least 20 mm from the print head.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A printer comprising: a control unit; a print head with a burn line, coupled to the control unit, for printing on a media label, the print head positioned in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of a platen roller over which a media label passes during printing; a RFID reader, coupled to the control unit, for programming RFID tags on the media label; a RFID antenna coupled to the RFID reader, the RFID antenna being positioned above the media label path, the print head's vertical orientation allowing the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line, the close proximity being of a distance to allow the RFID antenna to support metal tags on the media label; a LSS module, coupled to the control unit, for monitoring movement of the media label along a media path, the LSS module being adjacent to the RFID antenna.
 2. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the media label pitch is a length at least 12 mm.
 3. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RFID antenna has a centerline, the centerline being positioned within a distance not greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line.
 4. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RFID antenna has a centerline, the centerline being positioned at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.
 5. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer is a RFID printer, and the RFID reader is to program metal RFID tags contained in or on the media label.
 6. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer is a thermal transfer printer and the RFID antenna is placed below a ribbon path corresponding to a ribbon of the thermal transfer printer.
 7. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LSS module is configured to position at least a portion of the media label under the RFID antenna and the print head.
 8. The printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LSS module is positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line.
 9. A method comprising: positioning, a print head with a burn line in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of a platen roller over which a media label passes during printing; arranging a radio frequency (RFID) antenna coupled to a RFID reader above a media path corresponding to a media label, wherein the vertical orientation of the print head allows the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line; accommodating a label stop sensor (LSS) module adjacent to the RFID antenna; and advancing, based upon signals from the LSS module, at least a portion of the media label below the print head and the RFID antenna, for printing.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising, programming by the RFID reader a RFID tag contained in or on the media label via the RFID antenna.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the media label is a small RFID media label having a pitch between labels of at least 12 mm.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the RFID antenna is accommodated at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the RFID antenna is accommodated below the ribbon path of a thermal printer.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the LSS module is accommodated at a distance greater than at least 20 mm from the print head.
 15. A system comprising: a control unit; a printing assembly coupled to the control unit, the printing assembly comprising: a platen roller for feeding a media label for printing along a media path; a print head with a burn line positioned in a vertical orientation relative to a portion of the platen roller over which the media label passes during printing; a programming module for programming coded information on the media label, the programming module being coupled to the control unit, and wherein the programming module includes an antenna coupled to the programming module, the antenna being positioned above the media label path, the vertical orientation of the print head allowing the antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line; and a LSS module to control movement of the media label along the media path, the LSS module being positioned adjacent to the antenna, wherein the LSS module is configured to position at least a portion of the media label under the antenna and the print head.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the programming module is an RF programming module for programming RFID tags in or on the media label.
 17. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the antenna is accommodated above the media path at a distance not less than 15 mm from the print head burn line.
 18. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the antenna is accommodated above the media path at a distance no greater than 20 mm from the print head burn line.
 19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the media label has a pitch of at least 12 mm.
 20. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the LSS module is positioned at a distance not less than 20 mm from the print head burn line. 